The Global Paddling Community

Interview with Robert Peerson, Head Designer of WaveSport Kayaks.

This interview was originally produced for the Portuguese web site 'kayaksurf.net' and is published exclusively on Playak in english to make it available to a wider audience. The portuguese version of the interview, with larger versions of some of the photos, is available here.

Name: Robert Peerson
Age: 29
Occupation: Head Designer Wave Sport Kayaks
Kayaking experience: I have been paddling since 1996 and it has taken me all over the US, Canada, Costa Rica, South America, and Japan.
Address: Asheville NC
Competition records: My main focus has been on design so I am not big into the competition scene.
Personal web page: http://www.robpeerson.com/

What graduation did you get at Auburn University?
A degree in Industrial Design.

Was that useful to get into the "kayak world"?
Yes, the design principles I use now are influences from Auburn. This has definitely helped me along the way but I have also learned new techniques through my experiences working in the field and factory.

When did you go to WS?
While studying at Auburn I knew that I wanted to get involved with the outdoor industry. In 1997 I flew out to Salt Lake City for the winter Outdoor Retailer Show so that I could talk with other designers. After graduating from Auburn in 1999 I began sending out resumes. My best friend saw a post on Boatertalk that Wave Sport was hiring so I sent in my application. I went in for an interview on my way to Gauley Fest and was hired in November 1999 just after WS moved to North Carolina from Colorado.

Did you realize that you were the replacement for Eric Jackson?
No, I never imagined the opportunity would arise. I first started out in the model shop sanding plugs and working on several small ID projects. One of these projects included working with Bob McDonough on the original F.A.T. outfitting. After a year I moved into Voyageur product design. I stayed there for a year working on soft goods and then moved back to R&D developing CAD for Wilderness Systems. Here I was able to develop my CAD skills. When EJ left Wave Sport things just fell into place for me. I was first and foremost a paddler with design experience but I also had CAD experience and shop knowledge.

Robert's Test Team: Bryan Kirk, Jimmy Blakeney, Tanya Shuman, Luke Hopkins

What was your first designed boat on WS?
My first two boats were the ZG and Diesel series. I finished the ZG shortly before the Diesel but I was working on them both at the same time.

And about the ZG… how do you explain its great success?
I think working from a clean slate was an advantage. I had never designed a boat before so what I thought could work was only theory until I could get it on the water and prove it. I think this sort of mentality helped drive new ideas into the ZG series and future boats. I also believe design happens best between a core team of individuals and the quality of product is based on the talent and chemistry between these individuals. I have to give props to Team WS because I could not complete a design without them pushing me to the next level, helping test paddle and giving me feedback. I have some of the best paddlers in the world to work with such as Jimmy Blakeney, Tanya Shuman, Luke Hopkins, Bryan Kirk, Tyler Curtis, Ken Whiting, Ruth Gordon, Tanya Faux, Nate Helms, and Robin Betz. The list goes on and on. We all work together and have fun doing it. These team members are spread all around the world and each person has their own style and preference of paddling features. I have always felt the more feedback from a variety of paddlers the better.

What are the main differences between the Project and the ZG?
The obvious difference is the style of boat. The Project is a spud boat that will replace the Transformer line. The Project will be available in three sizes which fall between the two sizes of the ZG. The not so obvious is the progression or refinement of design from the ZG platform to the Project. The smallest changes in hull and side rocker to chine and leading edges to sidewall and volume distribution lead to dramatic changes in performance and how a boat feels on the water to the user. We spent a lot of time exploring these details and have developed a product that is not only pushing performance to the next level but also refining the feeling created when paddling.

When you test your boats, do you take them to the ocean?
With a tight schedule I will usually test paddle on a river because there are more features than in the ocean. However if the water is low I have been known to head over to the coast if there is a swell.

What do you think about your unique model for surf kayaking… the Flyer?
The Flyer was designed by Johnny Grossman and Stuart Mounsey and I think it is a great start for Wave Sport in the surf kayak market. It combines the latest moves with the speed of a traditional surf kayak.

But you realize that's an expensive boat… did you ever think of a plastic "Flyer" model?
This is possible and something we have talked about! We could see a plastic Flyer in the line up soon.

Among all the WS kayaks, what's your favourite?
My favorite boat is usually the one I am working on and that is the Project 45, but I also love to creek so the Diesel 65 as well.

Do you think that river experience is essential for a kayak surfer?
I believe they are both very different disciplines but they can certainly compliment each other.

What do you think about the evolution of our sport?
I am amazed at the level of kayaking these days from creek boating to ocean and river playboating. Whether it is new combos or first descents/expedition I think we will only continue to see new growth and evolution of the sport.

Did you ever participate in a surf kayak competition?
Yes. Last year I competed in the Santa Cruz Surf Kayak Festival with a few other Wave Sport team members. We arrived early to practice at Steamer Lane and to check out a few of the other local breaks. Jimmy B. and I brought our surfboards as well so we were in the water all week. This was my first surf kayak competition. I enjoy surf competitions because you are out there paddling with all your friends at the same time. I am looking forward to this year's event!

What do you prefer… surfing, creeking or big rivers?
I have never put myself into one category but at times I do have favorites. Lately I have been getting back into creeking and am looking forward to this winter.

Your favourite move?
A Helix! It is a very dynamic move on an ocean wave and or a river wave.

Any paddlers you admire in particular?
There are so many paddlers that I admire and that have influenced me along the way. When I started kayaking I watched Falling Down until the VHS tape fell apart. I was very influenced by the paddlers in that film such as BJ Johnson and Clay Wright. In the past few years I have learned a lot from watching paddlers such as Jimmy Blakeney, Bryan Kirk, Marlow Long and Pat Camblin.

Which was the best spot that you surfed in a kayak around the world?
Pichilemu Chile. In the USA, I love Steamer Lane Santa Cruz California.

Your scariest moment at sea?
One day I was held down for a while after taking a fall board surfing. I was drug along a rocky bottom and ended up choking on foamy salt water.

How do you describe the perfect wave to kayaksurf?
Over head groundswell with long glassy corduroy lines and offshore wind with no one in the line up!!!!!

What's your one favorite thing about the paddling lifestyle?
I would have to say all the friends that I have met along the way. I think we have a great paddling community and I enjoy traveling and meeting new people.

Jimmy Blakeney, on your web page, writes that Peerson "…puts heart, soul and passion into every facet of his life." Is it true?
I believe if you are going to commit to doing something than you must give it your total attention and see it all the way through from start to finish. I guess I am a bit of a perfectionist.

Can we say that all the kayaks you design are like your precious things?
Every design is developed seperately, so you could say they are all important to me. Instead of scaling each size I design each boat individually so that it fits and performs best for the intended size paddler.

How would you describe a perfect holiday?
A perfect holiday to me would be taking a trip exploring new rivers or surf breaks. I usually take a trip with a group of friends I went to school with. Last year we went to Chile to explore the creeks around Pucon. We have also taken a few trips to Costa Rica and Idaho.

Favourite music?
Shins, Modest Mouse, Rogue Wave, The Beautiful Girls, G. Love

Projects for next year…
I have been working on a creek boat for a while so hopefully I can finish it before next years OR show. There are also a few other surprises coming down the line.

Any suggestions for beginners?
Progress at your own speed and have fun!

For some videos, click here and here.

Text - Luis Pedro Abreu
Photos - Jimmy Blakeney, Luke Hopkins, WS Team, Aaron McCoy.
Videos - WS Team + Luke Hopkins www.localpaddler.com